World Expo 2017 - Pics

[phil_h]

Hello Everybody...

I just got back and it was a wonderful show. I took a lot of pictures and I thought I'd share the photo album...

https://goo.gl/photos/zwtATgzJnsEumZbf6

Please let me know if the link doesn't work (it should though )

With that out of the way, I'd thought I'd post some of my favorites from the show. It's almost impossible to winnow this down due to all the great pieces that were exhibited, but I'm going to try to keep this to just pieces that resonated with me on a personal level. Unfortunately, I can't properly attribute all the painters, but where possible I will.


First, some pieces that I'm sure many of you will be familiar with - a trio of busts from Sang-Eon Lee of Life Miniatures




Here are two fantasy busts by Ben Komets that I think are just phenomenal



Here is a classic piece by Marion Ball (obviously it was impossible to pick one - but I love this)



Here is an incredible diorama - and the piece that ultimately won Best in Show by the team of Avila, Esteban, and Mascarilla



Another diorama - unfortunately I can't recall who painted this



The legendary Diego Ruina was there and showed some pieces as well. He just happens to be my personal favorite, and here were the two that I thought were particularly evocative



Of course, it would be a crime not to post some of the pieces done by Kirill Kanaev - his talent is just utterly mind-blowing (I also think that the helmet that gladiator is holding may be the single greatest non-metallic metal element ever painted - it has to be seen to be believed!)




Here is another spectacular diorama - this one was just incredible. I have no idea who painted this




Here is another fantastic bust painted by Ernesto Reyes, the leather and fabric textures are especially impressive



Last but not least, this incredible Hussar. Again, I can't recall who painted this, but it's absolutely an amazing job!



I'd love to see what favorites others might have...

Regards,
Phil

 

[OldTaff]

Rarely, if ever, have I seen such an amazing body of work displayed in one place I'm gobsmacked......it's all totally wonderful. All those exhibitors should give themselves a hearty pat on the back,....Marvellous.

Thanks to Phil for all his efforts in posting them up for us lesser mortals

Alan

 

[Jeff T]

Excellent photo's Phil!!

Jeez there are some master pieces there!....I still cant believe how many brilliant figure painters there are.

Those multi figure dioramas are just beyond words,...when I look at how long it takes me to do one figure, of average quality, and the amount of work in those, its just unbelievable.

Thanks for posting the shots Phil.

Cheer's,
Jeff.

 

[megroot]

Thanks for sharing.

Marc

 

[Dan Morton]

I agree - outstanding show! So many jaw-dropping pieces in every category!

http://www.we2017chicago.com/

The above includes all award winners.

A couple of the judges must have been badly hung over one morning and gave one of my pieces, a German Southwest African camel scout from 1914 painted by Eduardo Garcia Lope, a bronze in Historical Open. Thank you Eduardo!

[Note - The awards committee misspelled my name in the awards list. - 'Mouton' Probably because of my hieroglyphic hand writing.]

All the best,

Dan

ps - Marvelous photos by my friend Patrick Student. Thank you Patrick!

 

[Jim]

Thanks so much for posting those for those of us who are 'Facebook-wary'.
Okay, it's official: after going through the incredible work - I QUIT!
Chop my hands off at the wrists and give me hooks.

 

[Ferris]

Thanks for posting these pictures Phil.
The dioramas and the NMM gladiator by Kanaev are my absolute highlights.
Studying these great works fills me with a mixture of envy and admiration. Amazing!

Adrian

 

[Dan Morton]

Funny...The more I look at Phil's photos, the more I remember standouts that knocked my socks off at the convention.

One of them was Ernesto Reyes French soldier bust. The depth and precise painting. The colors were just as sun-bleached as they look in the photo. The tired eyes and shadows under them were great!

Kirill Kanaev's gladiator - that helmet!! I wondered if it actually had been made of sheet brass somehow! Beautiful! But the one that moved me and I thought the best of his pieces is the Lieutenant physician or surgeon (?) and his hound. What a great face! I never was able to verify the figure depicted a surgeon but to me he looks like one.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Viking Bob]

Thanks for posting, some fantastic and out of this world painting. The dioramas are truly inspiring.
Think I'll hang up my brushes now.

 

[phil_h]

Hey everybody - I'm glad you have all been enjoying the photos!

I can't agree more on the dioramas - I have no idea how these people can plan, construct, and then finally paint one of those at the level that was displayed - truly mind-blowing!!

The other thing that I should mention was how incredibly approachable and down to earth all these gifted painters were. They were all incredible generous with their time, and were more than happy to take the time out to discuss their work with me. Talking with some of these luminaries about their work, and hearing their reflections on it was truly an incredible learning experience. Many also offered (completely unsolicited I might add ) very insightful constructive criticism on my own work (which was not exhibited).

At the end of the weekend, I left for home feeling truly inspired and couldn't wait to pick up my brushes!!

 

[Fantomas]

Hello Phil,
The diorama with a lot British and Indian mounted figures is done by Riccardo Ruberti.
The other diorama were sculpted by Antonio Zapatero and painted by Gustavo Gil Campos. It is called La conquista del Castillo de Buda.
Hello Dan,
The 75mm figure with bloodhound painted by Kirill Kanaev is a British surgeon (produced by Castle miniatures). He actually brought 3 figures from Dog's Life range.

 

[phil_h]

Hello Phil,
The diorama with a lot British and Indian mounted figures is done by Riccardo Ruberti.
The other diorama were sculpted by Antonio Zapatero and painted by Gustavo Gil Campos. It is called La conquista del Castillo de Buda.
Hello Dan,
The 75mm figure with bloodhound painted by Kirill Kanaev is a British surgeon (produced by Castle miniatures). He actually brought 3 figures from Dog's Life range.

Thanks so much for providing the missing information. It's much appreciated . I can't wait to see what Kirill does with the 3 Dog's Life figures. I am sure they will be absolutely amazing...

 

[Fantomas]

 

[Fantomas]